Marauder Update

Our first day of school is Tuesday, September 3rd. This first day will be a half day with dismissal at 10:50 am. Our classes will run for approximately 30 minutes, allowing students to get the layout of their classes, begin to understand procedures and expectations, and connect with their teachers. I know that some students/families think this day doesn't matter so much, but this day is crucial because it helps all the other days moving forward be more productive because learning can begin more quickly.

School will start at 7:40 as it has in year's past. Our drop off line can be hectic in the morning, especially the first week as we see more parents bringing their kids in this first week. I definitely recommend arriving by 7:35 if not feeling stressed is your thing!😉

We can't wait to see all of our Marauders back in action and for a fantastic 24/25 school year!

Ideally we would have our schedules set on prep day when we show students, but inevitably there are some changes that happen because we have students who earn credit through summer school, who move into the district, or who don't get into their chosen classes for things like college courses or CTE. Typically, this causes a small ripple that impacts a few of our students and their schedule changes. Unfortunately, this year, we had some staffing changes (see below), one of which was a change that happened last week. This means that we have been adapting and adjusting to ensure all of our students have a full schedule and that no class is overloaded - something that has caused a higher than normal amount of changes. Please know that I stand by all of our teaching staff and know that everyone is in good hands regardless of whether math is 1st hour or 5th hour and if a student has their favorite teacher ever or one that they don't know yet.

Thank you for understanding and being patient as we work through these changes.

Who is your favorite Superhero?

ElastiGirl would be my favorite because she is flexible and strong.

If you could have dinner with one person alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Nate Bargatze because laughing brings me lots of joy!

What is your favorite movie?

Harry Potter

If you could have a house anywhere, where would it be?

Our family has lived in the mountains, in the desert, and in the Pacific NW; but my favorite place is on the lake here in Brownstown.

What is one thing you want the students at CHS to know about you?

I think that everything put in front of you shoud be something that you try out. The experiences in life are way better than all the things to buy. Our family has lived all over the country and in each state we experienced the wonders of that state - skiing, hiking, white water rafting, zip lining, camping, and staying in National Parks.

Who is your favorite Superhero?

Spiderman

If you could have dinner with one person alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Stan Lee

What is your favorite movie?

I am Legend

If you could have a house anywhere, where would it be?

A New York City Penthouse

What is one thing you want the students at CHS to know about you?

That I am supportive and approachable, whether its social studies or the NBA season, my door is always open!

Who is your favorite Superhero?

Batman

If you could have dinner with one person alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Richard Winters from Band of Brothers because of his leadership and stories.

What is your favorite movie?

The Big Short

If you could have a house anywhere, where would it be?

I would love to have a house in the mountains to ski and a house on the beach to relax!

What is one thing you want the students at CHS to know about you?

I love Carlson and am proud to have worked here the last two years, coached here for the last 6, and that I am also an alumni of CHS!

Who is your favorite Superhero?

Spiderman

If you could have dinner with one person alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Tom Brady because he is the GOAT and can pay for it!

What is your favorite movie?

Speed

If you could have a house anywhere, where would it be?

A house close to the city and near family!

What is one thing you want the students at CHS to know about you?

I am usually pretty chill, so feel free to talk to me about whatever is on your mind.

Who is your favorite Superhero?

Wonder Woman because she represents something bigger thatn Spider Man or Batman. She is an inspiration for every girl who would like to imagine herself saving the world! #GirlPower

If you could have dinner with one person alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Zach Bryan, in hopes that he would bring his guitar and sing to me while we eat dinner!

What is your favorite movie?

The Santa Clause. It is the one movie I never get sick of watching and I LOVE Christmas!

If you could have a house anywhere, where would it be?

I would want to be in the mountains of Sylva, North Carolina

What is one thing you want the students at CHS to know about you?

I would want students to know that mental health matters, it's okay not to be okay, and my door is always open.

Who is your favorite Superhero?

Ironman

If you could have dinner with one person alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Walt Disney

What is your favorite movie?

Tombstone

If you could have a house anywhere, where would it be?

South Haven, just off the beach.

What is one thing you want the students at CHS to know about you?

I believe failures are the building blocks of success!

Who is your favorite Superhero?

My Mom!

If you could have dinner with one person alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Shakespeare

What is your favorite movie?

The Great Gatsby 2013

If you could have a house anywhere, where would it be?

On the lake!

What is one thing you want the students at CHS to know about you?

I have been the cheer coach at CHS since 2021. I am so excited to start teaching at CHS!

Who is your favorite Superhero?

Baymax

If you could have dinner with one person alive or dead, who would it be and why?

I would have dinner with my mom, we have much to catch up on!

What is your favorite movie?

Wuthering Heights, 1939

If you could have a house anywhere, where would it be?

I would live in a wooded area with a mountain view; preferably the Rockies, it's breathtaking!

What is one thing you want the students at CHS to know about you?

I am kind of sassy, but full of love and always willing to help!

As many of you know, high school in 2024 looks a lot different than high school 10 years ago. Many of our students are involved in off-campus academic opportunities like DCTC, Early College classes, and Virtual/Online classes. These opportunities cause our students to sometimes leave early or come late. It is because of this that this year we will no longer be assigning individual numbered spots to students for parking. Parking will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Student parking is broken down into the following areas: Memorial Lot, Pool Lot, Main Lot, and Woodruff Lot. The Shumate MS Lot, Lakeshore Virtual Lot and Staff Parking Lots are off limits to CHS Students. Please see the map below. Areas in Blue are open for CHS Student Parking. Areas in Red are off limits for CHS Students.

Each student will be required to register their vehicle and will receive a parking tag that has a number. That number will not correlate to a parking spot number but to our registration form so that we can identify who owns a vehicle.

In order to park on campus you must have a parking tag displayed at all times. Our parking fees will remain the same for the 2024-2025 school year. A full year parking pass is $50 or you can pay $30 per semester.

We are going to continue the process of online parking registration for the 2024-2025 school year.

***PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE PROCESS BELOW***

If your student does not have a valid Michigan Driver's License and/or a vehicle -- do not pay online or register for a parking pass.

***You will not be given a parking tag until both steps are completed and verified***

In order to get a parking tag you will need to follow this two step process.

Step 1: Pay online (Parents complete this step):

Parent Directions on Using Online Payment System
1. Log in to MISTAR Parent Portal
2. Select Student
3. Along the left hand margin select “Accounts”
4. In upper right corner select “Student Payment Services” You will be redirected to the Online Payment Screen
5. Use the drop down menu to select the student
6. Use the next drop down menu to select the item you want to pay for. Select Parking for the Year ($50) or Parking for the Semester($30).
7. After selecting the Parking item, select “add to cart”.
8. Once all items are selected, click “proceed to checkout”. At this point you will be redirected to PayPal to complete the checkout process.

Step 2: Fill out this form (Student Drivers complete this step):

https://bit.ly/3yFej7x

We all have our favorites and students are no exception. That being said, the following are the reasons that students should seek out a schedule change either on prep day or at the start of the school year:

1) The class they are in, they have already earned credit in. (Example: I'm in Earth Science and I took Earth Science last year)

2) The class they are in is out of sequence for their grade level. (Example: I'm in English 12 but I'm a sophomore)

3) The class they are in is at an inappropriate challenge level. (Example: I'm in AP English and I didn't sign up for it and struggle with writing.)

Students should not be requesting a schedule change to be with a friend, change their lunch, or have a different teacher. We are unable to honor these requests.

Counselors are assigned as follows:

A - G: Ms. Palazzolo

H - O: Ms. Trush

P - Z: Mr. Duperon

Students can see what lunch they have by looking at their 4th hour teacher's room number. If there is a -1, -2, or -3, that will correspond with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd lunch.

Student IDs/Picture Make-Ups are for those students who have not had a picture taken yet. These will be held Friday, September 6th. Students should be dressed in school appropriate clothing and may NOT wear hats in their school picture. Flyers are attached in this section and a link for purchasing can be found below:

https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/87405Q

Rumors flew around the high school in the spring when they heard that we would be doing something building-wide about cell phones. I am very proud of the work that our committee made of teachers, students, and administrators did to work on the growing challenge that cell phones are bringing to our classrooms. The solution has positive reinforcement built into each classroom (students will find out from their individual teachers when they return) and is designed to help students become more engaged which will lead to so many positive outcomes. More information can be found below.

This will change some of the ways that we do things at CHS. For our parents and students, it means that students won't know right away when they receive a text. If there is an emergency that needs a student's attention right away, please contact our office so that we can get the student and allow for that to be taken care of. Additionally, if a student has an emergency, they will be directed to go to the office to make that phone call if it is something that needs to be done during class time.

Admission to athletic events at Carlson High School will now be a cashless experience. Indiviidual game tickets can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/MI10045

Student ticket rates will no longer be available. Students are encouraged to buy a student pass that is good for the entire school year. Please reference the Go Fan Announcement that has been shared by the athletic department for more details. That message can be viewed at this link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19YQh8euCq3BBuefpCUrfAkrWt_0kYbR8Gt4sQeWejRI/edit?usp=sharing

Students will be required to show their school ID to enter games in the 2024/25 school year. Students should carry their school ID at all times (a picture of it on their phone will work too).

Additionally, whether we travel or are spectators at home, we represent Marauder Country and will carry ourselves as we are, the best in the state.

All elementary and middle school students who attend football games must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

For the full athletic calendar, please visit this page: https://www.gibdist.net/o/carlsonhigh/page/high-school-sports

Is your child taking an online course this year? If so, here is important information about requirements, start/drop dates, and more:

1. Please check your schedule as LVS online course teachers has changed. Below is the updated list of teachers and contact information.
2. ALL students taking online courses must have a 21f agreement form completed and on file (see below). This is a requirement for all virtual classes and the Michigan Department of Education. The contract must be filled out by a parent (from parent email) and the location sheet (will receive at prep day) signed by a parent. Location sheets are to be turned in to the student's mentor.
3. ALL students must identify their primary location during their online hour. This sheet was given to students at prep day and is below since location options has changed. Students must return this to their mentor or Ms. Zachary the first week of school.
4. Michigan Virtual classes begin August 30th (AP courses) and (regular courses). If your child is having trouble logging in, please reach out to Ms. Sims (simsk@gibdist.net).
5. Michigan Virtual classes must be dropped BEFORE September 13th. If after this date, students will be charged $500, the cost of the course since these use online Michigan Virtual teachers.
6. LVS courses begin 9/3 in Edgenuity. Students sign in through ClassLink. If you have issues, reach out to your mentor to help you. Students have pretests first. These are for teacher data only and scores do not affect student grades. Once completed, please speak to your mentor about the set up of your classes.
7. All e2020 Credit recovery classes have a prescriptive test first. These must be taken in person at school. Please schedule this with your mentor the first week of school.
8. Mentors will be listed on student schedules or in MiStar as their "advisor". If a student has 3 virtual classes, their mentor is the teacher listed in their "lakeshore attendance" hour on their schedule. Mentors will reach out the first week to introduce themselves.
9. Mentor contact, required weekly attendance, STARTS WEDNESDAY, 9/4/24. You must talk to your mentor each Wednesday about what you are learning in 1 of your virtual classes.

Is your child taking a college class through dual enrollment, DCTC, or our middle college program? If so, here are important reminders about any college class:

1. College classes start BEFORE September 3rd. Students will need to check their college email for start dates and other important items, such as student orientation.
2. If taking a dual enrollment class, not part of DCTC or middle college, then you will get text books from the CHS library. All others pick up books from the college.
3. If a college class is dropped after the deadline or the student fails the course (less than a C), then students are responsible for the cost of the course. This is per the Michigan Dual Enrollment Act.
4. College classes will end before the CHS semester ends. Students are required to attend their college class if there is a conflict between the 2 school schedules. Students are not excused from any college class attendance, except for required state testing.

We know that there was more flexibility created during COVID because of necessity, but we are recognizing that attendance is playing a significant role in our students and their learning. Teacher-provided instruction and hands-on in class activities are vital to student learning and academic growth. When you are making family decisions about appointments and vacations, please be mindful of our calendar whenever possible (I know some things are just unavoidable). If you are scheduling early, here are some dates to think about as good dates to schedule appointments:

Half Days (after 11:55 am):

Tuesday, 9/3 (first day of school)

Wednesday, 9/25

Friday, 11/1

Thursday, 11/7 and Friday, 11/8

Wednesday, 1/8

Friday, 1/24

Friday, 4/4

Friday, 6/13 (last day of school)

No School:

Monday, 10/21 and Tuesday, 10/22

Tuesday, 11/5

Wednesday, 11/27 through Friday, 11/29

Monday, 12/23 through Friday, 1/3

Monday, 1/20

Friday, 2/14

Monday, 2/17

Monday, 3/24 through Friday, 3/28

Thursday, 4/17

Friday, 4/18

Monday, 5/26

Link to the district full 24/25 school year calendar